CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - Do you want to be the next Edgar Ellen Poe? If so, read on.
Emily J. Chuma, director of development at the Children’s Theater of Charlotte, joined the show Friday to talk about the 2024 Poetry Out Loud competition.
Students from all over the state will compete this weekend in poetry recitation! Special guest, Charlotte Poet Laureate...
Posted by Children's Theatre of Charlotte on Wednesday, February 21, 2024
For 18 years, the poetry foundation has been organizing poetry recitation competitions in collaboration with the National Endowment of the Arts.
State competitions are held throughout the country and the Children’s Theater of Charlotte is hosting this year’s event as the state partner on Saturday, February 24.
About 125,000 high school and some advanced middle school students across the country participate each year, with 27 of them competing at the semi-finals this Saturday.
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Doors open at 5 pm and six finalists are announced by Charlotte Poet Laurate Junious “Jay” Ward at 5:30 p.m.
These remaining high schoolers will compete for the title of the state champion and the winner will represent the state of NC in the National finals in DC on April 30, May 1 and 2.
But of course, we can’t have a competition without a prize!
Prizes are available both on a state and national level. The state champion will receive $200, his school $500; the runner-ups receive $100 and their schools $200.
The national champion on the other hand will receive $20,000, whoever comes in second place receives $10,000 and the third place gets $5,000.
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According to Chuma, North Carolina has been among the top five states in the past years and she’s hopeful that we claim the title of the national champion this year.
However, for Chuma, winning is a second priority. She views the annual Poetry Out Loud competition as an excellent opportunity for students to practice public speaking skills and build self-confidence.
“Any time a child has the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, you never know where it’s going to take them,” Chuma said.
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